Positive youth development programs have been shown to strengthen young people’s sense of identity, belief in their future, self-regulation, self-efficacy, and social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral competence.
As a parent, when my children were little, I made it a point to get them involved in as many youth programs as possible, then let them choose what they liked best—additionally, keeping in mind not to overwhelm them or me with too many scheduled activities.
However, I did have specific groups that I had them in the entire time, like Scouts for personal development, religious youth groups for their spiritual condition, and at least one sport for physical health and how to work as a team. The YMCA was great for them as tots learning the basics of sports and character building. Additionally, we volunteered at their school and were contributing members of that “community.” And, of course, placing importance on their education as well.
When choosing a youth program, consider the program’s goals and objectives, activities and content, age-appropriateness, staff qualifications, safety precautions, and location. Most importantly, ask your child if they are interested in the program and what they hope to gain from it. Participating in a youth program can be a life-changing experience for your child—one that will provide lasting benefits well into adulthood. So take heart, even in those teenage years when at times you cannot recognize them, remember that the foundation will have already been laid, and it will still be there when they “come back.”
Most youth programs positively impact participants, helping them develop essential life skills and knowledge. While some programs are more effective than others, typical benefits of youth programs include:
- Improved academic performance
- Higher graduation rates
- Reduced juvenile crime and violence
- Increased college enrollment rates
- Improved mental and physical health
- Increased life satisfaction and happiness
When young people are involved in groups, they also develop job skills, organization, the ability to run meetings, and experience working with a wide variety of people and their peers. These skills they learn from being part of a group can help them be better prepared for any job they might choose, provided they get a good start in life.
If a family or individual needs financial support to do these things, many non-profit organizations offer free programs. Even organizations like the YMCA that have paid programs and memberships also provide grants to those in need of financial assistance. In addition, your local library is a good, free resource for searching and applying online for these programs if you do not have internet access at home or work.
What are some other benefits of youth empowerment programs?
Youth empowerment programs have been shown to improve academic performance, reduce juvenile crime and violence, increase college enrollment rates, and improve mental and physical health. In addition, youth participating in empowerment programs report increased life satisfaction and happiness.
Other benefits of youth empowerment programs include improved self-esteem, an increased sense of responsibility, and better communication skills. Empowered youth are also more likely to take on leadership roles in their families and communities. In addition, they are more likely to make positive life choices, such as abstaining from drugs and alcohol and pursuing higher education and careers.
Why after school activities are important?
Consistent participation in afterschool programs has shown lower dropout rates and has helped close achievement gaps for low-income students. For older youth, regular participation in an afterschool program may also reduce risky behaviors and help them gain college and career-needed skills.
Afterschool programs provide a safe, supervised environment for youth after the school day ends. In addition to offering a break for working parents, afterschool programs provide a variety of educational and enrichment activities that can keep kids engaged and learning.
While each afterschool program is different, common offerings include homework help, tutoring, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities, arts and crafts, sports and recreation, and community service projects. Many afterschool programs also include field trips and opportunities to visit college campuses and job sites.
Participation in afterschool programs has been shown to improve academic performance, reduce juvenile crime and violence, increase college enrollment rates, improve mental and physical health, and increase life satisfaction and happiness.
Why after school activities are important?
Consistent participation in afterschool programs has shown lower dropout rates and has helped close achievement gaps for low-income students. For older youth, regular participation in an afterschool program may also reduce risky behaviors and help them gain college and career-needed skills.
Afterschool programs provide a safe, supervised environment for youth after the school day ends. In addition to offering a break for working parents, afterschool programs provide a variety of educational and enrichment activities that can keep kids engaged and learning.
While each afterschool program is different, common offerings include homework help, tutoring, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities, arts and crafts, sports and recreation, and community service projects. Many afterschool programs also include field trips and opportunities to visit college campuses and job sites.
Successful after school program models
The best model for an effective afterschool program has a youth development framework rather than a deficit-based or risk-behavior model. Like most youth, children and teens respond best to positive reinforcement and being told what they can do better rather than being told what not to do.
A positive, reinforcement-based afterschool program will provide a safe and structured environment where young people can receive academic support, learn new life skills, and explore their interests. The program should also offer opportunities for social and emotional development and physical activity.
The staff of an afterschool program should be trained in youth development principles and positive youth development practices. They should also be able to provide a warm and welcoming environment for all participants.
Some of the most successful afterschool programs use a project-based learning approach, which allows young people to explore their interests and develop new skills by working on long-term projects. As a result, project-based learning has improved academic performance, increased college and career readiness, and reduced risky behaviors.
Afterschool programs that focus on academic enrichment, such as homework help and tutoring, have also been effective. These programs can improve academic performance, increase college and career readiness, and reduce risky behaviors.
Afterschool programs focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities have also been effective. These programs can improve academic performance, increase college and career readiness, and reduce risky behaviors.
What are the benefits of youth programs?
In conclusion, if you are looking for a youth program for your child, there are many options. Some programs, like Scouts or religious youth groups, have a long history and plenty of data to show their effectiveness. Other programs, like sports leagues or afterschool clubs, may not have as much data available but can still benefit participants.
The most important thing is to find a safe, well-supervised program that’s appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage. With so many options available, there is sure to be a youth program that is a good fit for your family.